News

For Immediate Release
July 20, 2012

National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs

The Illinois State Board of Education today announced its policy for free and reduced-price lunch, breakfast, and after- school snacks for those students unable to pay the full price for meals and snacks under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. The following household size and income criteria will be used for determining eligibility.

Income Eligibility Guidelines
Effective from July 1, 2012, to June 30, 2013

Free Meals
130% Federal Poverty Guideline

Reduced-Price Meals
185% Federal Poverty Guideline

Household
Size

Annual

Monthly

Twice Per
Month

Every Two
Weeks

Weekly

Household
Size

Annual

Monthly

Twice Per
Month

Every Two
Weeks

Weekly

1

14,521

1,211

606

559

280

1

20,665

1,723

862

795

398

2

19,669

1,640

820

757

379

2

27,991

2,333

1,167

1,077

539

3

24,817

2,069

1,035

955

478

3

35,317

2,944

1,472

1,359

680

4

29,965

2,498

1,249

1,153

577

4

42,643

3,554

1,777

1,641

821

5

35,113

2,927

1,464

1,351

676

5

49,969

4,165

2,083

1,922

961

6

40,261

3,356

1,678

1,549

775

6

57,295

4,775

2,388

2,204

1,102

7

45,409

3,785

1,893

1,747

874

7

64,621

5,386

2,693

2,486

1,243

8

50,557

4,214

2,107

1,945

973

8

71,947

5,996

2,998

2,768

1,384

For each additional family member, add

5,148

429

215

198

99

For each additional family member, add

7,326

611

306

282

141

Children from households that meet Federal guidelines are eligible for free or reduced-price meal services. Complete one application per household for all children that attend the same school district.
All meals served must meet the U. S. Department of Agriculture meal requirements. However, if a child has been determined by a doctor to have a disablity and the disability would prevent the child from eating the regular school meal, this school will make substitutions prescribed by the doctor. If a substitution is needed, there will be no extra charge for the meal. If you believe your child needs substitutions because of a disability, please contact the school for further information.

Application forms are being sent to all homes with a letter to parents or guardians. To apply for free or reduced-price meal services, households must complete the application as soon as possible, sign it, and return it to the school. Additional copies of the application form are available in the principal’s office in each school. Households should answer all applicable questions on the form. An application which does not contain all the required information cannot be processed and approved by the school. Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) participants may be eligible for free/reduced-price meals and are encouraged to complete an application for meal benefits.

The required information is as follows:

SNAP/TANF HOUSEHOLDS: If the school provided you a letter that stated your child(ren) is eligible for free meals via the direct certification process, you do not have to complete this application to receive free meal benefits. Households that currently receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) for their child(ren), only have to list the child(ren)’s name and at least one SNAP or TANF case number and sign the application. If at least one SNAP/TANF case number is provided for any household member, then all children listed on the application are categorically eligible for free meals. Applications listing LINK card numbers cannot be used for free or reduced-price meals.

ALL OTHER HOUSEHOLDS: If a household’s income is at or below the level shown on the income scale, children are eligible for either free or reduced- price meal services. Households must provide the following information: (1) the names of all household members; (2) the last four digits of the social security number of the adult household member signing the application, or indicate if the adult does not have a social security number; (3) the amount of income each household member received last month, how frequently it is paid, and where it came from (wages, child support, etc.); and (4) the signature of an adult household member.

The information on the application may be checked by school or other officials at any time during the school year.

Households may apply for benefits at any time during the school year. Households that are not eligible now but have a decrease in household income, an increase in household size, or a household member becomes unemployed, should fill out an application at that time.

Households that do not agree with the ruling of the official may wish to discuss it with the school. Households also have the right to a fair hearing.

In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (Voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.